Sinking into the meadow grasses on the limestone hillside surrounded by orchids and abundant wildflowers was a joy this afternoon. What a treat! Trying to concentrate with Poppy licking my ear, was,  it has to be said tricky though!

Had it not been for the TinyTuesday challenge I'd have gone with my foxes over the fence which were gambolling around this morning. They would have been tiny, even with a long lens!

This beautiful Fritillary is one of our most rapidly declining species and my meadow here in Gloucestershire is one major stronghold of the few left in the British Isles.

The females usually perch half hidden amongst the tussocks and may be so laden with eggs that flight is only possible in the warmest of weather. The males are more active skimming low to scan for females. This open grassland is a perfect breeding spot. The yellow eggs are laid in huge batches on the underside of usually a Devil's Bit Scabious leaf. The clusters turn red and then loads of bristly black caterpillars emerge.

I do feel quite privileged to have been able to see and capture this today.